That's One Benefit I Just Didn't See Coming

In an effort to be healthier, I joined the ranks of runners. This is big, because I'm not a runner. I never have been. I love walking, but jogging is not my idea of a good time. And sadly, the older I get, the more my bladder has to say about things like running. It tends to scream pretty loudly when I run, if you know what I'm saying.

I have learned a few things since becoming a runner. It's been amazing for the arthritic knees. I haven't been stiff in the morning, I don't have difficulty walking upstairs without pain, and there is no waiting to straighten the legs after prolonged sitting. Love it.

I'm incredibly out of shape. I'm repeating weeks 1 & 2 on my Couch to 5K program because I am waiting to be able to actually run the running parts before moving on. While I'm mostly there, every now and then I have to speed walk a run instead. Small steps, and I'm happy that I'm doing as well as I am.

The screaming bladder is actually a fan of controlled running. Who knew? I also am aware of it's strengthening, which is also a good thing.

I am not the brightest bulb in the pack. After the 5th day of running I finally figured out what the encouraging voice on the iPod means when it says, "you've reached the halfway mark, you can turn around now if you need to." I was all "how stupid does it think I am? If I turn around, it's as long as it is wide. It's not an easy way out." Yeh. 5th run before I realized that not everyone runs on a treadmill and turning around is the way to get home again.

Running. It's been so good for me. I may even be smarter for it in the end.

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1 comment:

Roger Miller said...

Dang it! You made me spit out my coffee! I can just imagine you trying to turn around on a treadmill - you're lucky you didn't hurt yourself. :)

My running hit a snag, known as basketball, because I twisted my ankle something wicked. Tried walking on it last night and had to quit after 25 minutes, then I tried the elliptical and after 15 minutes, I swear I felt something pop. Popping is not a sound I want to have associated with exercise as you can imagine.

I'll try again tonight though - I'm a tough nut to crack apparently.